Monty Python Spamalot cast gains a new member for the night

Reporter Becca Taylor with the cast of Spamalot, including EastEnders' Todd Carty and comedian Joe Pasquale.

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Acting is not something I have ever been particularly involved in.

I have never been to stage school, didn’t take a drama GCSE in school, and though the idea of amateur dramatics somewhat appeals, I have never taken it up.

So I am still not completely sure how the walk-on role of ‘Hay Baler’ in Monty Python’s Spamalot fell to me as the touring production rolled into Woking this week.

Those familiar with the production may remember the role of ‘Sir Not Appearing in this Show’. Sir Not Appearing comes on briefly when the knights of the round table is formed, but having realised he is in the wrong show, says ‘Sorry!’ and walks back off.

The Sir Not Appearing role has attracted celebrity cameos, most notably Sylvester McCoy, but it does not work for women, so in a slight revamp of the show, a new song has been added called ‘Around the World’.

While the knights sing and dance their way around the world, the hay baler appears, in time for them to all shout ‘hay’ and point at the peasant with the bale on the side of the stage.

It is a guaranteed laugh, I’m told.

Backstage at Spamalot with the New Victoria Theatre, Woking.

I arrive at the New Victoria Theatre just after 6pm and make my way to the stage door, where I’m met by company director Phil Sykes. He introduces me to a softly spoken Welshman, Iwan Harries, who is in charge of the wardrobe.

I’m presented with my costume, which is a patched up peasant look. Iwan jokes that it was made for me, as I hitch it up to make sure I do not trip over the edge.

It is the second night of the company’s week in Woking and the team is in good spirits.

Backstage, Joe Pasquale rushes to hug Phil and chat about the show before. We’re soon joined by Todd Carty, who shakes my hand and tells me to enjoy it.

After the cast warm-up we need a quick rehearsal. My stage markers are pointed out to me, and after a quick run through, Todd Carty gives me the thumbs up.

That must be a good sign.

The show begins at 7.30pm, and behind the scenes there are costume changes and chats in between scenes. With a small cast, nearly every member plays multiple roles, so they have learned well the act of a quick change.

Backstage at Spamalot with the New Victoria Theatre, Woking.

Waiting in the wings, Phil tells me he won’t let me know when I’m on until the last minute, so I don’t get too nervous. I recognise the beginning of the Around the World song, so I know it’s coming. There’s a small shove on my back and I’m on stage.

One beat, and I turn around, vaguely aware of laughter and applause from the audience.

It is all over, and strangely, now is the time I start shaking. Phil leads me back to the auditorium, where I enjoy the rest of the show from the comfort of the stalls.